Profitable reconciliation

During a visit by Libyan dictator Muammar al-Gaddafi Italy's Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi signed an agreement guaranteeing the North African state 3.4 billion euros in investments. In the document Italy apologises for the injustices suffered by the country under Italy's colonial rule. The daily Süddeutsche Zeitung sees the agreement as a bonus for both countries and for Europe. "The Gaddaffi regime is working its way of out the world's naughty corner. Energy-hungry Italy is securing its access to Libyan oil and gas. Rome also hopes Tripoli will help it to stop human traffickers who send African refugees across the sea to Sicily. And finally the agreement will allow Italy to consolidate its role in the Mediterranean - the mare nostrum of the ancient Romans. All this should come as good news to Europeans. In times of a neo-imperial Russia and Islamic fundamentalism, an alliance with Libya is certainly an advantage. Moreover, reconciliation between Italy and Libya can set an example for others as regards coming to terms with the past."

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